And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

JUDGES 13:25KJV
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Judges 13:25 (KJV)

What does Judges 13:25 mean?

Judges 13:25 describes how the Spirit of the LORD began to stir Samson at certain times while he was in the area of Dan, specifically between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol. This verse marks the beginning of Samson experiencing God's influence, preparing him for the special role he would play as a judge and deliverer for Israel.

The verse is set in the time before Samson's public actions as a judge. No one is speaking directly; it is a narrative comment explaining that God’s Spirit was already at work in Samson’s life, even before his famous deeds. The mention of specific places roots the story in real geography, showing where these early stirrings happened.

The Hebrew behind Judges 13:25

  • Spirit (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." Here, it refers to God's empowering presence, indicating that Samson's strength and actions would not come from himself alone.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that it is specifically Israel’s God who is acting in Samson’s life.
  • began (חָלַל, chalal): This word often means "to begin" or "to start." Its use here signals the start of something new in Samson’s life, not just a one-time event.
  • times (פָּעַם, pa‘am): This word can mean "times" or "occasions," suggesting that the Spirit’s activity in Samson was not constant, but happened at specific moments.

Why Judges 13:25 matters

  • This verse shows that Samson’s strength and leadership were not from his own abilities, but were the result of God’s Spirit working in him from an early stage.
  • The mention of the Spirit moving Samson "at times" helps clarify that God’s influence was not always visible or continuous, but came at key moments.
  • By naming the locations, the verse connects Samson’s story to a real place and community, grounding the narrative in history and showing that God’s work began in the ordinary settings of his life.

Where else these words appear

“times” Hebrew H6470 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Psalms 77:4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
  • Daniel 2:1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

“Eshtaol” Hebrew H847 · used in 7 verses

  • Joshua 15:33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • Judges 18:8 And they came unto their brethren to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brethren said unto them, What say ye?

“Zorah” Hebrew H6881 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 15:33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • Judges 18:11 And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.